ATP Online Module July 2006Conducting Qualitative Research
Johanna Dvorak, Ph.DUniversity of [email protected]
Agenda
What is Qualitative Research? What are some types of qualitative
research? How can you become a qualitative
researcher? What are the steps in conducting
specific types of qualitative research?
What is Qualitative Research?
Human responses and perspectives about a program and its services
Based on a theoretical framework: Interpretivist paradigm: the world is
complex and changing Knowledge is socially constructed Inductive approach: questions may
evolve and change over the course of inquiry
Similarities to Quantitative Research
Based on a theoretical framework States a purpose Poses a problem or raises a
question Defines a research population Develops a time frame Collects and analyzes data Presents outcomes
Features of Qualitative Research
Assumptions (Theoretical Framework) Variables are complex, interwoven and difficult
to measure Purpose
Interpretation within context/setting Looking for perspectives
Approach Naturalistic Inductive Search for patterns Description
What are characteristics of a qualitative researcher?
Personal characteristics: observant and a good listener open, exploratory attitude thoughtful, seeking to interpret
meaning organized: looks for big picture and
details dedicated and willing to work hard persistent and patient
What are the steps of conducting qualitative research? Step 1: Question
Start with a question: What do you want to research?
Assignment: 1. State a question/topic in your setting which you would like to study. Spend time narrowing your topic.
2. Why do you want to study this question? What is your purpose? Why do a qualitative study? What methods will you choose?
Next Steps for ConductingQualitative Research: Steps 2 & 3
2. Choose a type of qualitative inquiry
3. List your field site, population, and time frame. Example: A case study of a college
tutoring program. Location: an urban Midwestern four-year public university. Population: 40-50 outstanding tutors and their tutees.Time frame: 4 semesters.
Step 4: Collect Data Types of Data Collection
Individual interviewsFocus groupsSurveysObservationDocumentation
Interviewing Techniques
Write an interview guide Have participants complete an
informed consent form Ask open-ended questions If you must ask yes/no questions,
follow up with a explanation question Probe with follow-up questions Tape your interviews and take notes
Forms Used to Conduct a Study
If you are drawing from student population to participate in the study, you are required to have permission from participants in an educational setting.
Check with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) on your campus for specifics. You may need permission from them to conduct your study.
See an example of a consent form in the notes section.
Focus Groups
Contact participants Incentives are helpful (food, gift
certificates…) Have participants complete a consent form Number the forms, so they can say their
number when they answer a question for identification on the audio tape
You can use the same interview guide as you use for an individual interview
Surveys
Develop questions based on interviews which can be given to a larger group of participants or to those who could not attend in-person interviews.
Ask for demographics and/or a student ID number
Using a Likert scale helps to give a degree of comparison on responses
Observation and Documentation
Participant Observation Example 1: Quietly sit at the back of a
classroom and observe, taking notes of what transpires
Example 2: Spend time in a tutoring center just observing the activity and listening to sessions
Collect Documentation Examples: annual reports, papers,
evaluations, emails, memos, websites, etc.
Step 5: Data Analysis
Transcribe tapes from your interviews into typed documents
Code data from transcripts and notes First: break down, examine, compare,
and categorize the data into subcategories
Second: relate subcategories together into larger categories (themes)
Strauss, A. & Corbin, J. (1990)Basics of Qualitative Research: Grounded Theory Procedures and Techniques. Newberry Park, CA: Sage Publications, p. 61 & p. 115.
Step 6: Writing your Research
Coding should reveal a status of categories: concepts repeatedly presented are
significant look at actions or incidents Arrange
themes into a logical progression Organize an introduction, body, and
conclusion Select the most significant quotes and
metaphors for your write-up
Writing the Conclusion
The conclusion should summarize findings of the study
Include recommendations for future research
Use metaphors which have emerged from your study
Include Metaphors in your Study
“From the program assistant directing student traffic like an air traffic controller to the tutor with his toolbox of techniques, to the student with ‘light bulbs going off in his head,’ metaphors abound for the tutoring experience. As Todd said, ‘It’s like a journey. You walk them down the path and show them what they need to look for during this process: where it starts, where it ends, and what the have to do along the way.’ ”
Summary of Qualitative Research:Steps 1-6
1. Pose a problem or raise a question
2. Choose a type of qualitative inquiry
3. Select a field site, define a research population, and develop a a time frame
4 & 5. Collect and analyze data 6. Write up your outcomes
Discussion Board
Please go to the Discussion board and respond to the prompt you will find for this module.
Thank you.
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